When you see a film that stars Vilma Santos and Aga Muhlach, you don’t expect anything less than brilliant. Mentorque Productions and Project 8’s entry for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival is no exception, as the two seasoned actors phenomenally delivered beyond expectations.
Uninvited is a psychological thriller directed by Dan Villegas and written by Dodo Dayao which explores the dark and vicious themes that a single person with excessive power and wealth can get away with doing. Consider this as a trigger warning for murder, sexual assault, and other heinous crimes.
So if you’re a thriller fan looking to be brought to the edge of your seat, check out our High Five review to see why Uninvited could be your next gripping, tormenting, and brazen watch. Spoilers ahead.
Mysteries Galore
Still from Mentorque Productions and Project 8
This film revolves around Eva Candelaria (Vilma Santos), a mother looking to exact revenge on all who led her daughter, Lily Capistrano (Gabby Padilla), to her untimely and brutal death. Eva’s hunt for blood begins with her attending the birthday party of billionaire businessman, Guilly Vega (Aga Muhlach), who is blissfully unaware of what’s to come.
As straightforward as it sounds, the film is told through alternating points of view of the past and the present, walking the viewers through events with unblinking eyes, lest they miss out an important detail that answers the mysteries behind Lily’s death. If you think you already have a character figured out—no you don’t.
Aside from the non-linear storytelling, the colloquial script also makes it so that any moviegoer catches on the sociopolitical messages the film wants to leave—more than just seeing it as any other revenge flick, it tells a story of inequality and power imbalance.
Stars as Far as the Eyes can See
Still from Mentorque Productions and Project 8
It’s no secret that Vilma Santos and Aga Muhlach are some of the Philippines’ renowned and respected actors of all time, but their portrayal of the lead characters in this film might just elevate their already highly decorated career. Santos as Eva Candelaria is a mother’s pain personified. She is able to communicate and evoke vulnerability in every scene, while her unrepentant eyes give the audiences a deeper look into her psyche.
A lot can also be said for Muhlach’s portrayal of the maniacally unhinged Guilly Vega, who is charmingly deceptive in the worst possible way. If you are used to seeing him as the sweet-faced guy that he is, prepare to be dumbfounded as his versatility incredibly shines in this film.
Aside from the two leading stars, Uninvited is packed with more notable names in the industry such as Nadine Lustre, Mylene Dizon, RK Bagatsing, and Tirso Cruz III, whose brilliance takes the material up to a whole different level.
Outstanding Production
Still from Mentorque Productions and Project 8
Director Dan Villegas is often regarded one of the outstanding minds behind some of Filipinos’ favorite films, and with Pao Orendain as cinematographer—the man behind Mallari from last year’s MMFF—it’s no wonder the production team came up with a stunning presentation of such a twisted story.
The one-take introductory scene is especially worth noting as it will hook you in right from the start. Not to mention the set design, which transports you to the world of the wealthy and powerful, adorned by glitz and blood. The editing and musical score also makes the film easy to follow, even with the flashbacks in between. Overall, the production is nothing short of what you would expect from an award-winning crew.
A Cathartic and Twisted Ending
Still from Mentorque Productions and Project 8
Prepare to be satisfied with an ending that’s not just pure shock and suspense, but absolutely cathartic. Justice is served, revenge exacted, the dead left finally at peace. Though what happens might be morally questionable, there’s no doubt that after seeing all that Lily went through, you’d be hard pressed to not support what happens in the end.
A Chilling Real Life Message
Still from Mentorque Productions and Project 8
Horrific as this story might be, there’s nothing more terrifying than knowing that it can and has absolutely come true in real life. When the rich are given utmost power and credibility, there’s no telling what they can do with it. In the case of Guilly, he has masterfully devised vicious schemes with his wealth and influence protecting him along the way which, as difficult it is to swallow, is a familiar backdrop to a lot of stories we know about real people.
Eva’s act of vengeance also raises difficult questions on morality, justice, and the inherent darkness that can exist in every and all humanity, not just the callous. It’s uncomfortable, it’s intriguing, but most of all, it’s undeniable. This is the real thrill that left me shaking in my boots after watching.
Despite all these praises, there are certain things which I wish were explored better like the motivations behind each character and a more in-depth depiction of the themes, so as not to make some scenes seem rushed just for the sake of catharsis.
Nonetheless, Uninvited was a thoroughly engrossing film that leaves so much for pondering. SEA Wave gives it 8 out of 10 waves.